Patents by Inventor Paul Russell FRIEND

Paul Russell FRIEND has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11698458
    Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) controller is disclosed. The LIDAR controller may determine, based on a position of an implement, a scan area of the LIDAR sensor, wherein the scan area has an increased point density relative to another area of a field of view, of the LIDAR sensor, that includes the implement. The LIDAR controller may cause the LIDAR sensor to capture, with the increased point density, LIDAR data associated with the scan area. The LIDAR controller may process the LIDAR data to determine whether an object of interest is in an environment of the machine that is associated with the scan area. The LIDAR controller may perform an action based on the environment of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Russell Friend
  • Patent number: 11454713
    Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) controller is disclosed. The LIDAR controller may receive cycle segment information identifying a cycle segment of an operation of a machine. The LIDAR controller may determine, based on the cycle segment information, a scan area within a field of view of the LIDAR sensor. The LIDAR controller may cause the LIDAR sensor to capture, with an increased point density relative to a non-scan area within the field of view, LIDAR data associated with the scan area. The LIDAR controller may process the LIDAR data to determine, using the increased point density, a status associated with the operation. The LIDAR controller may perform an action associated with indicating the status associated with the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Russell Friend
  • Patent number: 11270530
    Abstract: A vehicle pose sharing diagnostic system includes a first communication module and a first pose module in communication with the first communication module. The first pose module is configured to generate a pose signal corresponding to the first machine. The system further includes a first sensing module configured to generate a pose signal corresponding to at least one of a second machine and an infrastructure. The system includes a control module communicably coupled to the first communication module. The control module is configured to determine an operational error in the first communication module and the first pose module. The control module is also configured to generate diagnosis information corresponding to the determined operational error. Further, the system includes a feedback device communicably coupled to the control module. The feedback device is configured to receive the diagnosis information from the control module and display the diagnosis information thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan Andrew Graves, Paul Russell Friend
  • Publication number: 20210239808
    Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) controller is disclosed. The LIDAR controller may receive cycle segment information identifying a cycle segment of an operation of a machine. The LIDAR controller may determine, based on the cycle segment information, a scan area within a field of view of the LIDAR sensor. The LIDAR controller may cause the LIDAR sensor to capture, with an increased point density relative to a non-scan area within the field of view, LIDAR data associated with the scan area. The LIDAR controller may process the LIDAR data to determine, using the increased point density, a status associated with the operation. The LIDAR controller may perform an action associated with indicating the status associated with the operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Russell FRIEND
  • Publication number: 20210239837
    Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) controller is disclosed. The LIDAR controller may determine, based on a position of an implement, a scan area of the LIDAR sensor, wherein the scan area has an increased point density relative to another area of a field of view, of the LIDAR sensor, that includes the implement. The LIDAR controller may cause the LIDAR sensor to capture, with the increased point density, LIDAR data associated with the scan area. The LIDAR controller may process the LIDAR data to determine whether an object of interest is in an environment of the machine that is associated with the scan area. The LIDAR controller may perform an action based on the environment of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Russell FRIEND
  • Patent number: 10641862
    Abstract: A ranging radio relative machine positioning system for a first mobile machine and a second mobile machine is provided. The first mobile machine includes a platform rotatable relative to ground-engaging elements of the first mobile machine. A first set of ranging radios and at least one sensor are configured for attachment to the first mobile machine, and a second set of ranging radios are configured for attachment to the second mobile machine. The system also includes a controller programmed to identify a ground spotting location relative to the first mobile machine, track movement of the first mobile machine relative to the ground spotting location using the sensor to arrive at an offset, and provide a location, or pose, of the second mobile machine relative to the ground spotting location using the first and second sets of ranging radios and the offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Russell Friend
  • Patent number: 10567746
    Abstract: A calibration jig for calibrating an image capturing device mounted on a machine is provided. A second rope is connected to a first rope at a first connection point. A third rope is connected to the first rope and the second rope at a second connection point and a third connection point respectively. The first, second, and third ropes, when taut, define the calibration triangle with the first, second, and the third connection points as vertices of the calibration triangle. A center rope is connected to the first connection point with a first anchor point associated with the machine. A first tether rope is connected to the second connection point of the calibration triangle with a second anchor point associated with the machine. A second tether rope is connected to the third connection point of the calibration triangle with a third anchor point associated with the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, David Paul Gitz, Maikel Orlando Torres Pineiro, Matthew Daniel Fike, Qi Chen, Jeffrey Walter Earleson
  • Publication number: 20190295334
    Abstract: A vehicle pose sharing diagnostic system includes a first communication module and a first pose module in communication with the first communication module. The first pose module is configured to generate a pose signal corresponding to the first machine. The system further includes a first sensing module configured to generate a pose signal corresponding to at least one of a second machine and an infrastructure. The system includes a control module communicably coupled to the first communication module. The control module is configured to determine an operational error in the first communication module and the first pose module. The control module is also configured to generate diagnosis information corresponding to the determined operational error. Further, the system includes a feedback device communicably coupled to the control module. The feedback device is configured to receive the diagnosis information from the control module and display the diagnosis information thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan Andrew Graves, Paul Russell Friend
  • Publication number: 20190149814
    Abstract: A calibration jig for calibrating an image capturing device mounted on a machine is provided. A second rope is connected to a first rope at a first connection point. A third rope is connected to the first rope and the second rope at a second connection point and a third connection point respectively. The first, second, and third ropes, when taut, define the calibration triangle with the first, second, and the third connection points as vertices of the calibration triangle. A center rope is connected to the first connection point with a first anchor point associated with the machine. A first tether rope is connected to the second connection point of the calibration triangle with a second anchor point associated with the machine. A second tether rope is connected to the third connection point of the calibration triangle with a third anchor point associated with the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, David Paul Gitz, Maikel Orlando Torres Pineiro, Matthew Daniel Fike, Qi Chen, Jeffrey Walter Earleson
  • Patent number: 10267016
    Abstract: A swing control assembly for a first machine is provided. The swing control assembly includes a position detection module configured to generate a signal indicative of a relative position of a second machine with respect to the first machine. The swing control assembly includes a controller communicably coupled to the position detection module. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the relative position of the second machine with respect to the first machine. The controller is configured to determine a direction of swing associated with the first machine based on the received signal. The controller is configured to provide an instruction to initiate a swing operation of the first machine based on the determined direction of swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, Michael Edward Brandt
  • Patent number: 10235774
    Abstract: A method for calibrating an image capturing device mounted on a machine is provided. The image capturing device is configured to capture one or more images of a calibration target. The one or more images include a set of reference points corresponding to the calibration target. The method includes receiving a first positional data and a second positional data associated with the image capturing device and the calibration target respectively. The method includes generating, through the processor, a set of augmented reality points based on the first positional data and the second positional data. The method further includes overlaying, through the processor, the set of augmented reality points on the set of reference points displayed on the display. The method includes iteratively adjusting, through the processor, at least one of a roll, a yaw, or a pitch of the image capturing device until the set of augmented reality points align with the corresponding set of reference points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David Paul Gitz, Paul Russell Friend, Maikel Orlando Torres Pineiro, Qi Chen
  • Publication number: 20180284219
    Abstract: A ranging radio relative machine positioning system for a first mobile machine and a second mobile machine is provided. The first mobile machine includes a platform rotatable relative to ground-engaging elements of the first mobile machine. A first set of ranging radios and at least one sensor are configured for attachment to the first mobile machine, and a second set of ranging radios are configured for attachment to the second mobile machine. The system also includes a controller programmed to identify a ground spotting location relative to the first mobile machine, track movement of the first mobile machine relative to the ground spotting location using the sensor to arrive at an offset, and provide a location, or pose, of the second mobile machine relative to the ground spotting location using the first and second sets of ranging radios and the offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventor: Paul Russell Friend
  • Patent number: 10060097
    Abstract: An excavation system is disclosed for use with an excavation machine having a work tool and with an IPCC. The excavation system may have a location device configured to generate a first signal indicative of a location of the excavation machine, a display, and at least one controller in communication with the location device and the display. The controller may be configured to receive a second signal indicative of a location of the IPCC, and to cause representations of the excavation machine and the IPCC to be simultaneously shown on the display based on the first and second signals. The at least one controller may also be configured to determine a swing radius of the work tool, and to selectively cause an indication of alignment between the IPCC and the swing radius to be shown on the display based on the first signal, the second signal, and the swing radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, Kenneth L. Stratton, Michael Edward Brandt, James D. Humphrey, James William Ryan
  • Publication number: 20180066413
    Abstract: A swing control assembly for a first machine is provided. The swing control assembly includes a position detection module configured to generate a signal indicative of a relative position of a second machine with respect to the first machine. The swing control assembly includes a controller communicably coupled to the position detection module. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the relative position of the second machine with respect to the first machine. The controller is configured to determine a direction of swing associated with the first machine based on the received signal. The controller is configured to provide an instruction to initiate a swing operation of the first machine based on the determined direction of swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, Michael Edward Brandt
  • Publication number: 20170191246
    Abstract: An excavation system is disclosed for use with an excavation machine having a work tool and with an IPCC. The excavation system may have a location device configured to generate a first signal indicative of a location of the excavation machine, a display, and at least one controller in communication with the location device and the display. The controller may be configured to receive a second signal indicative of a location of the IPCC, and to cause representations of the excavation machine and the IPCC to be simultaneously shown on the display based on the first and second signals. The at least one controller may also be configured to determine a swing radius of the work tool, and to selectively cause an indication of alignment between the IPCC and the swing radius to be shown on the display based on the first signal, the second signal, and the swing radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Russell FRIEND, Kenneth L. STRATTON, Michael Edward BRANDT, James D. HUMPHREY, James William RYAN
  • Patent number: 9678210
    Abstract: A motion determination system is disclosed. The system may calculate one or more visual-odometry outputs. The system may determine a plurality of figure of merits, wherein each of the plurality of figure of merits is associated with one of a plurality of parameters affecting the calculation of the one or more visual-odometry outputs, and each of the plurality of figure of merits is indicative of an accuracy of the visual-odometry outputs. The system may calculate a combined figure of merit based on the plurality of figure of merits. The system may calculate an error estimate for the one or more visual-odometry outputs based on the combined figure of merit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, Hong Chang
  • Patent number: 9618348
    Abstract: A loading machine may include a position sensor associated with a bucket. The position sensor may be configured to generate position and orientation data of the bucket. The loading machine may also include a computer including a spotting location module in communication with, at least, the position sensor. The spotting location module may be configured to: receive the position and orientation data of the bucket generated by the position sensor; determine a spot point based on the received position and orientation data of the bucket; store the spot point; and associate the stored spot point with a subsequent location when the loading machine relocates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, Qi Chen
  • Patent number: 9593570
    Abstract: A method, system, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for estimating pose of a drill are disclosed. The method may include receiving a location signal from a locating device, receiving a first signal indicative of an angular rate of the drill, and receiving a second signal indicative of an acceleration of the drill. The method may further include determining an operation state of the drill. The method may further include determining the pose of the drill based on the received location signal, first signal, second signal, and the determined operation state of the drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Russell Friend
  • Patent number: 9494430
    Abstract: A system for determining the position of a mobile machine is disclosed. The system may include a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a pose of the mobile machine, a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a parameter of the mobile machine, and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to generate a measured pose of the mobile machine based on the first signal, to generate an estimated pose of the mobile machine based on the second signal, and to determine uncertainty values associated with each of the measured and estimated poses. The controller may be further configured to determine overlap of the uncertainty values, to selectively adjust the measured pose based on the overlap, and to determine a pose solution based on the estimated pose and adjustment of the measured pose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Russell Friend, Qi Chen, Nicholas Robert Vogel, Andrew Thomas Whitten
  • Patent number: 9465113
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating a position of a machine is disclosed. The method may include determining a first position estimate and a first uncertainty measure of the first machine. The method may further include receiving, from a second machine, relative pose information determined by the second machine and a second uncertainty measure of the second machine. The method may further include determining that the first uncertainty measure is higher than the second uncertainty measure. The method may further include, in response to determining that the first uncertainty measure is higher than the second uncertainty measure, determining a second position estimate of the first machine based on the first position estimate and the relative pose information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Russell Friend